Alberta in autumn is at its most golden

By Lisa Monforton, Calgary Herald

For some of us, it's too early to think about a sun and surf vacation, not only because summer hasn't completely slipped away, but because Alberta can be at its most golden in the next couple weeks. The aspens turn a dazzling sunburst shade and the days are sunny, though a bit cooler, perfect for hiking, flying through the air, wildlife watching and even camping.

The busloads of tourists have tapered off and there's no shortage of weekend packages and things to do close to home. The shoulder season, as it's known in the travel biz, (post-summer, pre-ski season) is the time of year to hit the blacktop, for a routine-busting weekend or a take-the-whole-gang day trip. These mini-getaways will make Monday feel a long way off.

Movie and a sleepover

Do: Program your GPS, load up on Milk Duds and hit the road for a weekend on one of three "reel roadtrips" around Alberta highways and backroads. Soak up the scenery that formed the backdrop for movies like Assassination of Jessie James, Unforgiven or Passchendaele (hitting theatres next month). Travel Alberta (www.albertamoviemaps.com) has created three detailed drives: The Stuff of Legends; Saddles and Side Trips; Badlands and Bad Guys. Printed maps are available at visitors centres around the province; detailed written directions are on the website with suggested sidetrips and other activities, including dining suggestions.

Stay: Stay on for the night in the Badlands, for a truly authentic experience. Rather than packing your own tent, bed down for a night under the stars in a teepee sleepover at the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Centre's Tipi Village. Until mid-October, the centre (www.blackfootcrossing.ca) offers four teepee camping packages, from basic to luxurious, with costs ranging from $200 to $450. The basic setup includes a one-night tepee stay for up to four people, wood stove, water and lantern. The top-end package, for up to eight people, includes everything needed for a cosy night under the stars: bed, bedding, buffalo robes the aforementioned necessities plus a story teller and a ceremonial dancer.

In both packages you can opt to bring your own food or eat at the cafeteria at the interpretive centre. You can also ask about catering.

Take the kids, tire them out

Do: If you and your kids were inspired by the recent Cirque du Soleil show, Corteo, in Calgary, here's a chance to get a feel for what it's like to fly through the air yourself. The Fly Canmore Trapeze school opened last month. "It's a physical workout, and be prepared to fly through the air," says proprietor Matt Hamer. Join in the "open fly bar session" with unlimited "flying" or the "catch class," secure in the fact trained gymnasts and trapeze artists will help you, and show you some tricks to get you started.

The facility, at 500 Bow Valley Tr., is set up outdoors and will stay open until mid-December (subject to weather conditions, but patio heaters will be set up as the days get cooler). All that's needed is a love of swinging and comfy clothes. Call ahead (403-621-3753) or drop in. (flybanff.com). Large groups can be accommodated.

Stay: If you're looking to stay in one place for a laid-back weekend, but want to get out of the city, Banff's Douglas Fir Resort (www.douglasfir.com) is set up for just such an outing. An impressive waterslide and full-sized play zone will keep the kids buzzing all day (and tire them out).

The resort offers a "Bed and Make Your Own Breakfast" package, starting at $64 per person, depending on the type of accommodation. The one-bedroom condo loft is just right for most families.

The breakfast basket, delivered to your room, (available only one morning of your stay), includes eggs, bacon, croissants, loaf of bread, juice and more.

Adrenalin junkies

Do: You'll still be in city, but floating above it getting a whole new view of the landscape before most people are even out of bed. Though hot air ballooning is weather-dependent any time of year, autumn can be ideal. The changing trees never look prettier than from the sky as the sun rises in the east. (www.rainbowballoons.ca) Cost is $275 per person and includes Champagne and orange juice and continental breakfast, once you've landed.

You can hook up with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures (www.yamnuska.com) for a full or half day rock-climbing lesson. Lessons are available for all levels of climbers, and run through to mid-October (subject to weather conditions).

Stay: After a day of rock climbing, Canmore's just another few kilometres down the road. You'll be ready to quaff a cold beer and perhaps spend the night at one of the "Charming Inns of Alberta" in Canmore.

The Georgetown Inn (www.georgetowninn.ca) is noted for its traditional country-style British B & B, complete with a pub-style restaurant, popular among adventurous locals and out-of-towners.

Through April, the Georgetown is offering a Saturday night stay with half price on Sunday night.

Depending on the room, prices range from $157.50 to $277.50.

Nature lovers

Do: Those rascally elk are heading into their rutting season, making this time of year perfect for wildlife viewing tours. Join a half- or full-day tour of Banff National Park with www.banfftours.com

Stay: Spend the night at cosy Num-Ti-Jah Lodge (num-ti-jah.com), located just north of Lake Louise, on the banks of the Bow River. The Elkhorn dining room is the perfect place to end your au natural day. The lodge has 25 rooms.

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